2013 Smart Fortwo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Smart Fortwo, 12% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine light flashed briefly and went off. Within one mile engine lost all power. As I slowed to a stop, a large cloud of steam erupted. Car was in shop for over a month and most of the engine was replaced. No explanation of lack of warning lamps. A second two week trip to the dealer was needed to resolve all the issues. Car still has engine light on”
NHTSA complaint #10608766, filed 2014-07, 12,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Smart Fortwo. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor and observed smoke. The fire department determined that the battery casing melted. The vehicle was not charging at the time of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10766514, filed 2015-09, 6,000 miles“Software for power control module is not correspond to the series level Software configuration. Basically it doesn't want to take charge due to the Software issues from manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11439125, filed 2021-11Related service bulletins
- 11015640Mar 5, 2025Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 11008091Sep 28, 2024Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party…
- 10153996Dec 6, 2018Vehicle Range ? Voltage difference of cells too great
- 10151978Aug 9, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151977Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151976Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151975Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10151974Aug 6, 2018Vehicle does not start
- 10144276Jun 11, 2018Light switch/combination switch, fault code stored
- 10144079Mar 7, 2018Charging socket/charging cable: Charging cable lock jams (P12E900, P13E800)
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 57% |
| 2016 | 5 | 24% |
| 2015 | 1 | 17% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 12% |
| 2012 | 2 | 25% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 14 | 14% |
| 2008 | 20 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2013 Smart Fortwo
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Smart Fortwo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology